Associate superintendent leaving

The associate superintendent for the Leavenworth public schools will be leaving his job this summer to take a position in another school district.

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By John Richmeier

The Leavenworth Times - Leavenworth, KS

By John Richmeier

Posted May. 28, 2013 at 9:00 AM

By John Richmeier

Posted May. 28, 2013 at 9:00 AM

The associate superintendent for the Leavenworth public schools will be leaving his job this summer to take a position in another school district.

Eric Punswick's departure became official last week when members of the Leavenworth Board of Education approved a staffing report that listed his resignation among various personnel changes. His resignation will be effective June 30.

Punswick, whose current title is associate superintendent of support services, will be taking a job with the Olathe school system. There, he will serve as executive director for administration for the secondary level.

"It was just a really good fit," Punswick said of the new job.

He's been with the Leavenworth district for six years. He came to the district after working in the Blue Valley and Harrisonville, Mo., school systems.

Punswick said leaving for the new job is bittersweet.

"It's difficult to say goodbye to the people you enjoy working with," he said.

He said there are many great things happening in the Leavenworth school district.

"It's a special place," he said.

He said one thing he'll miss in particular is the "pioneer spirit."

"It resonates with the community and the school district," he said.

The pioneer serves as the district's mascot.

Punswick said the term pioneer refers to more than the historical aspects of the community. He said it includes the strong military presence and work ethic as well as an entrepreneurial spirit.

He called Leavenworth a unique place.

"I think pioneer pride really embodies that," he said.

For now, Leavenworth school officials are not looking to hire someone to replace Punswick. District spokesman Jake Potter said officials at this point are looking to realign duties of existing personnel.